Nine Favorite Things.
Welcome to this week’s Nine Favorite Things.
(sweet little Chili)
We made it to the last Sunday in April…and shocker it’s still snowing over here. Well, not currently, but I can’t sugar coat it, this week’s weather was just gross. I let it tire me out and bring me down on Wednesday (dark days really affect my energy level and mood), but come Thursday morning I forced myself to have a mind shift regardless of the dark clouds, cold temperatures, and on-off snow. I needed a good day. So I did something different and it made ALL the difference.
The last few months I’ve been working pretty much in silence when in the kitchen cooking and shooting. I was finding that podcasts were too distracting, and music-wise, I just haven’t come across anything that I love. The silence was fine because, to be honest, I talk to my phone and film Instagram stories most of the day anyway. But I knew I needed some new energy this week if I actually wanted to be productive. I remembered reading somewhere that Taylor Swift released a new album on Spotify. I have so much respect for T-Swift and find her so inspiring both as a businesswoman and a creative. However, her more recent music hasn’t been my “vibe” with the exception of a few songs on each album.
I pulled up Spotify anyway, because I didn’t have time to search for new music, and saw Fearless (Taylor’s Version) was the new release. I was confused at first, but then I understood. She re-recorded every song on the album with the addition of six unreleased songs from that time. I’m not a “Swifty”, but this was just what I needed. I knew every song on the album (minus the six new releases), most of them word for word, and was able to listen to the album all the way through. It gave my entire day new energy and focus. Never once did I get tired or overly frustrated with the dark, dark clouds (which provided pretty poor light for photography). Instead, I had a good mindset all day long.
My point here is that that this simple shift in thinking, along with adding something new to my day, really made all the difference. I was even able to carry that positive mind shift on throughout the rest of the week, which felt amazing. So much better than the negative thoughts from the previous week. The moral of the story? If you’re feeling down or need to change your negative thoughts to positives, try switching something up. Even something as little as adding new music to your day, putting on a cute outfit, organizing your desk, getting out for a walk, etc…little shifts can help! It’s easy to let yourself slip into negativity, but once you have a mind shift in a positive direction it will make all the difference. I mean, I’m not an expert, this is just what I know from my own personal experience!
Question: what do you do when you need to find some new energy?
Question: what are you listening to right now? I clearly need some help in the music department!
Anyway, that was pretty much my week in a nutshell. Right now I’m doing a lot of cooking, photography, and attempting to keep up with emails and conference calls in the middle of it all. I stayed home in Colorado while my family traveled to Arizona for Asher’s spring break. I’m a little jealous, but my time for that tropical vacation will come soon. I know it. I will say that Arizona looks incredible and the blooming desert flowers are so unique and pretty (they’ve been sending photos).
Lastly, I have updates for you all on the goat baby front! First, all three little goats are doing so well and at this point, mostly taking care of themselves. We’re still bottle-feeding the two littlest additions to make sure they’re getting enough milk. But they’re running around, happy, healthy, and so cute! We still need names for the two from the last litter, suggestions?
And then Oslo! I feel like you need an update! He’s pretty great. Living his best life in the desert heat at the moment, playing in the pool, soakin’ up the sun, and hanging with my parents, my oldest brother, Creighton, my cousin Abby, and little miss Asher too. He’s so easygoing and almost always has a smile on his face. Watching his curious little eyes wander is my personal favorite.
Coming up this week, I’ll be sharing a mix of Mother’s Day recipes, quick dinners, and simple desserts. If I get time, I would LOVE to share a new cocktail too, but that’s kind of a long shot. In the meantime, I’ll probably just mix up something from the HBH Archive…there are plenty of drinks there now!
Alright, rambling is over, onto this week’s favorites. Enjoy!
1. Things I’m loving, wanting, and excited to try…
watching…the Oscars. what was your favorite movie this past year? I’ve heard incredible things about Hillbilly Elegy via cousin Ethel and am excited to watch it soon.
dreaming of…the Hotel Il Pellicano. This just looks like the prettiest place. Next vacation spot? Fingers crossed.
loving…this pretty dress…so cute for spring and summer. I love the detail on the sides.
listening to…How Megan DiVincenzo Left Her Law Practice To Chase Her New Dream on the Skinny Confidential. If you want a career change or just some motivation, listen to this! I found it even more interesting because Megan is actually from Cleveland. Check out her incredible Jewelry line, The Sis Kiss.
reading…Beekeeping for beginners: An Introduction To The Amazing World Of Bees. We have chicken and goats…horses and bees are next – I hope.
ordered…these Teacups, this set of Gold Flateware, and this Stoneware Jug from Zara Home.
listening to…Emma Grede Founder & Partner Of Good American on the Skinny Confidential. Emma sounds like such a powerhouse in the fashion industry. I loved hearing her story on how she built her way up in her career, and all without a college degree.
watching…The Baker and the Beauty on Netflix. Well, I haven’t started it, but honestly, it sounds like just the cheesy kind of Netflix show I could use right now. What are you watching?
ordered….the Cire Trudon X Giambattista Valli Positano candle. Yes, this was certainly a splurge. But geez I’ve been looking for a new spring candle and this one just sounded perfect. Yes, I am aware that I have an issue. I will say, these candles do last, they smell incredible, and always burn down evenly, so you’re not wasting any of the candle. if you need a good Mother’s Day gift, this would be perfect. Also on my list currently is the Rose Poivree candle too.
drinking…blueberry lemon thyme smash…one of my favorite spring cocktails.
wanting to try…the KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer. I already love Kora Organics but am very intrigued by this refillable moisturizer.
2. Spring Berry Recipes
Berry and Cream Cheese Croissant French Toast Bake
Lemon Strawberry Dutch Baby with Ricotta Cream
Baked Blackberry Ricotta French Toast
Easy Chocolate Cinnamon Crunch Knots
Lemon Sugar Rolls with Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing
Blueberry Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
3. New for the Kitchen for Spring/Summer Picnics…
4. Favorite questions of the week.
q: I love you and your recipes…but I have to know, how do you make money?
a: we have a few revenue streams!
The blog: those ads that you see on the side or at the bottom of the page are our largest source of revenue. We try to keep them to the bare minimum and to make sure they’re not overly annoying. (We really appreciate everyone putting up with the ads!)
Sponsored content: the branded content you see is another source of income. We’re lucky to be able to work with a lot of incredible brands! But I only work with brands I actually use and whose products I truly believe in.
Cookbooks: the cookbooks are also a source of revenue!
Product lines: we have HBH product coming soon, that is also a revenue source 😉
q: What is your go-to quick dinner that’s super easy?
a: my spicy butter chicken! It is so easy and everyone’s favorite!
q: What is your favorite type of food to cook?
a: it’s always changing based on the seasons and what is available to me. I love to cook NEW foods that I haven’t experimented with much. Anything that feels fun, exciting, and different. I get bored really quickly, so cooking fun and different recipes is what I love most. It could be any cuisine, sweet or savory
q: Do you ever binge watch Harry Potter and pig out on popcorn?
a: 100%!!! Harry Potter is what I watch when I need a good comfort-style movie. I swear, I could watch it a million times…but I need to upgrade my movie watching game with popcorn for sure!!
q: How did you get started on this journey?
a: I started cooking for my family back in middle school. I am one of 8, so dinners growing up were chaotic and very late (we’d eat at 9/9:30 pm very often). Eventually, I got tired of the late dinners and eating chicken and rice on repeat. So I started cooking and basically haven’t stopped. Since I was a teenager, I always thought I’d go into the fashion industry and become a stylist. But after a quick stint in LA when I was 18, I changed course. That’s when I started HBH and I never looked back!
q: What is the easiest way to increase your vegetable intake?
a: try to add a vegetable to every meal you make, even if the recipe doesn’t call for it! Bell peppers, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, and cauliflower can all easily be added to most recipes, just toss them in!
q: Weirdest food combo you like?
a: carrots dipped in tomato paste…don’t knock it till ya try it. It’s a favorite for both Asher’s and me!
question for you: what’s your weirdest food combo?
5. Unique and Special Mother’s Day Gift Ideas.
A Weekend Spent in A Treehouse
Treehouses seem to be the new hotels these days and our longtime close family friends, the Mooneys, own
related reading: 7 New Treehouse Hotels to Add to Your Travel Wishlist
A Day Spent Together Supporting Your Favorite Charity
My mom is the biggest advocate for supporting charities that are near and dear to her. She’s almost always working on something for HBH to be lending a helping hand and financial support. Take a day with your mom to support her favorite local charity or donate to one on her behalf.
Here are a few of our favorites that we support:
Chrysalis House – A residential treatment center in Maryland for women dealing with addiction. They are different because they allow women to bring their children, very much boosting their success rates. The women can also stay in treatment for up to a year. The majority of their funding comes from public sources. Donate here.
Special Angels – This is the agency my parents went through to adopt Oslo. So many good things happen through this agency that I don’t even know how to write it in one sentence. This agency places special needs babies with special families. Donate here.
Baby2Baby – provides children living in poverty with diapers, clothing, and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. Donate here.
A Handcrafted, Handwritten Letter
When I was younger, I used to give my mom a handwritten letter and I think it’s something to consider bringing back. Words tend to mean more than gifts, so if you love to write and are a little crafty this is a fun gift. Maybe add some flowers or a candle in her favorite scent.
A Beauty Gift Box with All of Her Favorites…And Some New Items Too
I love putting together gift boxes, but beauty gifts are my favorite.
Personalized Jewelry
You can never go wrong with Jewelry. I love the custom pieces from The Sis Kiss.
related reading: Best Personalized Jewelry Gifts for Women
An Airbnb stay or Weekend trip
My mom is a huge fan of a weekend trip to somewhere she’s never been. Here are some she’s loved over the years!
My 100 Year Old Waco Home – Close to Magnolia – My mom and dad stayed here while waiting for Oslo’s adoption to finalize and LOVED it!
Mountain Shadows Resort, Scottsdale – My parents and some of my siblings are loving their stay here in Scottsdale…their huge patio backs right up to the pool!
Palm Springs – They used this rental company for a quick stay after the family wedding in Julian. They loved the house and the rental company.
The Grand Lodges, Government Camp, Mount Hood, OR – This was our summer spot for four years when Red was younger and training at Mount Hood (I even worked on the blog out of this condo the summer after we started it). If you go, be sure to also check out The Timberline Lodge – very cool and so much history here (and also where The Shining was filmed!).
The Westin Monache Resort in Mammoth – This was their spot while Red did late spring training at Mammoth.
The Little Nell – Aspen, CO – in my opinion, the cutest hotel in Aspen.
Best Western Plus – Moab is gorgeous! And this hotel is right in the middle of town with a very nice pool.
related reading: 17 Airbnbs That Belong in a Nancy Meyers Movie
6. Meet Hailey’s Sweet Puppy Chili + Family Photos.
Hailey, my brother Red’s girlfriend just adopted a new puppy. Her name is Chili, she’s a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and she is ADORABLE. Now I want a puppy…
(Chili really loves Red)
some photos from Arizona
(told you, Oslo has really grown!)
(Oslo and my cousin Abby)
(mom and Oslo)
(Arizona is so pretty)
(my oldest brother Creighton and Asher)
7. Favorite Links I’m Loving…
Look Inside the Iconic Arizona Biltmore’s Major Renovation…wow, my next trip to Phoenix I want to stay here.
What I Buy From Trader Joe’s When I Want to Have a Healthy Week…so many new things to try.
This Is How to Organize Your Fridge (and maintain your sanity)…love these tips/tricks.
The Best Fire Pits for Giving Your Outdoor Space the Ultimate Glow Up…backyard season is almost here.
The Best Black Swimsuits…so many cute ones. Love this one especially.
The Best Gardening Tools…if you’re working on that spring/summer garden.
10 Things You Can Do To Improve Your Relationship Right Now…easy and so doable, but a good reminder.
5 Apps That Identify Your Plants and Help You Save Them From the Brink of Death….love these apps.
8 Easy Ways To Be Happier Right Now…such simple, doable tips that make all the difference.
All Hail, The Affordable Green Smoothie…gotta get those greens in.
15 Fun Games to Play When You’re Bored and Looking for Something to Do..so many new ones to try.
8. Cute, but Casual For Spring…
9. This week’s dinners + weekend eats…
Monday: Spinach and Artichoke Pizza with Cheesy Bread Crust
Tuesday: Crispy Chicken Tinga Taquitos with Salty Lime Avocado Crema
Wednesday: 20 Minute Red Curry Noodles with Fried Coconut Garlic
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday: Deep Dish Molten Chocolate Coffee Blondies
Sunday: Flaky Southern Butter Biscuits with Strawberry Bourbon Jam
Loved all the pictures! Oslo and Chili are in tough competition for Cutest Ever. Oslo wins, but Chili comes close lol. You def need a puppy. We have five rescues (live on a farm) and they bring us immeasurable joy. They are our TS for dark days. Each one unique and special. Like your sibs! Watching Vincenzo on Netflix, a Korean limited series with and an odd and film noiresque Italian touch. We are heading into winter in the Southern Hemisphere and although it does not get as cold as it does in Co., the short days are challenging. Puppies, Vincenzo and HBH to the rescue! Have a great week 😉
Hey Maria,
Thanks so much for reading today, so glad you enjoyed the photos of Oslo and Chili! Vincenzo sounds like an interesting show, thanks for sharing! Best of luck with the winter months and have a great week! xTieghan
For music, check out Annie Dang’s “Shake”. She’s an Asian American r&b artist from Portland, Or. Her 4 song debut ep is both fun and stunningly beautiful. The title release makes you want to dance and the ballad is so gorgeous it pulls your heart right out. It definitely “shakes” things up haha:)
Thanks so much for your recommendation Amy! Have a great week! xTieghan
That puppy! So sweet. And Oslo is adorable- those chubby baby thighs! He looks so happy.
what do you do when you need to find some new energy? Every afternoon around 4 or 5 my brain is zapped. I get out for a walk with my dogs and then come back renewed and able to finish my work day. It helps me get out of my head for a bit!
what are you listening to right now?
Also listening to the new Fearless; my daughter and I are both fans! And someone just introduced me to shovels & rope- check out their song Birmingham and Lay Low.
Oscars: I haven’t watched Hillbilly Elegy, but I loved Minari! I saw a few of the contenders, but that captured my heart.
My daughter and I just started Freeform’s Cruel Summer which I think will be good! Plus it takes place at a high school in the mid 90s when I was in high school.
If you try the turmeric moisturizer, let us know! I am curious about it as well.Your breakfast recipes have me drooling all over my keyboard.Carrots in tomato paste? Basically the crunchy version of V-8 maybe?
Have a great week!
Hey Cassie,
Thanks for reading today! Love that you walk to find new energy, it seriously helps me so much as well! Thanks for the show recommendation, will have to check that one out and of course will keep you posted on the turmeric moisturizer! Have a good week! xTieghan
We once had a gorgeous pet goat it’s name was Ghia.
So cute!!
Hillbilly Elegy was good. If you are a reader, I’d recommend the book first, and then the movie. There is only so much that can fit into two hours and the stuff that didn’t fit is well worth understanding.
I love reading your posts because you keep it real. I have little patience for publications that only show the glossy, perfect side of life and ignore the fact that there is a human, not a robot behind the scenes. You have just the right balance to keep people coming back because they can identify with you. Thanks for making me smile and occasionally tugging at my heartstrings!
Hey Anna,
Thanks for your review on Hillbilly Elegy and reading along every Sunday! I am so glad you enjoy these posts as much as I do:) Have a great week! xTieghan
Love your recipes and posts!
A couple of musical suggestions:
Lake Street Dive
Corinne Bailey Rae
Thank you so much Kasey! Have a great week:) xTieghan
How old are your parents? Your mom rocking a bikini and they seem to have so much energy!
Lol they are in their 50s:) She’s a rockstar and super active! xTieghan
Do you use a professional food photographer sand stylist? Your photos are always amazing!
Thanks so much Diana! I actually do everything myself:) xTieghan
Keep doing what you’re doing. I make your recipes at least three/four nights a week and they are always a hit. Served the garlic coconut salmon and spinach to guests last night and finished with your blueberry thyme tart (I used pastry dough). Creative and inspiring I look forward to your daily posts and enjoy trying your new twists. Thank you for doing what you do 🙂
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message Lisa! I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes and truly appreciate you following along! xTieghan
I use Pandora a lot for music. If I’m in the mood for classic rock, I’ll play the Rolling Stones or Credence Clearwater stations. If I’m in the mood for laidback, I usually opt for Chris Stapleton or Hozier stations. Taylor’s station is a go to for exercising, hanging out in the pool with my daughter. Etc. I like that I get a mix of artists and can easily skip the songs I don’t like since I play it through my Alexa device.
Hey Amanda,
Thanks so much for the music recommendation! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Love your blog and have been with you since forever it seems. We live in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, one of the top rated towns in the world. I would love for you to stay at our five star rental property called Casa de los Chiqueados. It is in the historic center of town, and would love to comp your stay in exchange for a write up. My website is…www.casadeloschiqueados.com.
My son also has goats, I think Reba and Dolly would be great names.
Keep up the good work!
XO
Hey Christina,
Thanks for reading today! Thanks for sharing your property, will definitely check it out! Have a great week:) xTieghan
Have you listened to the Hamilton soundtrack? It’s amazing and the more you listen, the more you appreciate it. It’s brilliant.
I haven’t, but thanks so much for the recommendation Heather!! xTieghan
I’m on your blog probably every day looking for dinner options but your Sunday post is really my favorite. I look forward to it every week!
Thank you so very much Antonia:) xTieghan
I love so many of your recipes, and enjoy following you. It was so awesome to read that your mom supports the chrysalis house. I am a teacher in Maryland, right down the road from the Chrysalis House, and I’ve taught so many children while they are living their with their moms. Thank you so much for supporting them!!
Thanks so much for reading and your kind message Claire! xTieghan
Oh and for goat names how about “billy” and “the kid” , especially if they’re outlaws lol.
Lol love these names!
I took up beekeeping when I retired. A girlfriend and I have three hives on her 2 acre property and harvested more than 100lbs of honey last year! As a chef and baker, your own honey would be an excellent kitchen resource! Ck out “Beekeeping for Dummies” and look into classes at your local agricultural high school! Have fun!
Thanks so much for your help with beekeeping Christine! Have a wonderful week:) xTieghan
YES! Hello Chili! I have a duck toller too and they are the absolute best dogs. Mine is 12 now and still going strong. They are going to love him/her so much (not sure… you said both him and her 🙂 Just be warned, they do SCREAM when they get super excited. There’s no other description for it than that, they make this high pitched scream that will make you jump out of your skin when they do it! Lol. Rudy has only done it a few times, mostly if we took him when we played tennis… the ball bouncing back and forth without him made him nuts! But I know other tollers that scream more often. It’s really funny… just, weird. At least they just seem to do it when they’re happy so you know they’re just letting out a little extra joy. More Chili photos please!
Hey Leanne,
Awe love to hear about your pup as well! Lol can’t wait to hear this scream at some point. Have a wonderful week:) xTieghan
I read somewhere once that singing makes your brain release mood-boosting hormones. Not sure if it’s true, but whenever I’m feeling down I pick a Taylor Swift album and belt it out. It always seems to help, so even if it’s just a placebo effect it’s worth it!
I love this! Thanks so much for sharing Erica! xTieghan
Your Sunday post is the best. I’ve started reading it instead of the Sunday newspaper, and must say it’s a much nicer way to start the day!
Thank you so much for reading each Sunday Lisa!! xTieghan
I always click on so many links in these posts. Thank you for having them open in a new window so I can view them after I finish reading the post.
Happy to share and glad you enjoy them! xTieghan
Love all of the family pictures !! I hope you have a wonderful week.
PS – Love all of your recipes.
Thanks so much Mary Lou!!
I enjoyed the Hillbilly Elegy book when it first came out but am disappointed at how far right the author Vance has become: I now wish I had never put money in his pocket.
Thanks for sharing!!
I discovered your blog just last month (coming from Pinterest), and like so many others before me I am SO hooked! Also, how did I not see your gorgeous food pictures any sooner?? LOL. After pinning 5 dozen of your recipes to my Pinterest boards, I found out you had written two cookbooks, and just bought both of them at the same time last week. I’ve already tried several of your recipes and have read through both books. I collect cookbooks, and I think yours are going to be in my top favorite of all time. Your style completely resonates with the way I think and cook! I am French, 10 years older than you, have 7 kids myself, and I think you’re amazing. Good luck with everything! You seem like such a hard working gal, and deserve all the best.
PS: long Winters and dark, cold weather tends to bring me down as well, so I completely get it. Thank you for being you, and for creating such quality content even when it’s hard. You are an inspieation.
Hey Aurore,
Thanks so much for your kind message and following along! I am so glad you have been enjoying the recipes and thanks for purchasing the cookbooks! How amazing you have 7 kids, I just love this! Have a wonderful week:) xTieghan
Try Jason Isabel . The song Dreamsicle
Thanks for the recommendation Kelly!
Nothing much in particular other than you are amazing! I enjoy so many of your recipes and look forward to your Nine Favorite Things
Thank you so much for your kind message Katy! Have a great week:) xTieghan
You are amazing! Love your stories and your recipes are so delicious!
Thank you so very much Cindy!! xTieghan
For music, I have found a lot of joy in decades music. I’m older than you, and I grew up in a family that listened to all kinds of music so it is also nostalgic for me. But give it a try! Just click on one of the decades playlists! Ella Fitzgrtald’s “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” truly lifted my spirits last week!
Hey Ruth,
Thanks so much for reading along and sharing your music recommendations! Have a great week:) xTieghan
I second ANY Jason Isbell and his band The 400 unit! Good taste Kelly! Will Johnson is one of our favorites as well. He does living room shows…he’s so talented! Also, Blue Rodeo from Canada…love them. My boyfriend is a wonderful guitar player and has excellent taste in music. There are so many underrated artists out there and I think it takes a great musician to seek and find! Hope this helps!
Hey Jeanette,
Thanks so much for the music recommendation, I will for sure check it out!! xTieghan
Beauty and the Baker was fun, light and very cheesy in the best possible way. Watch it. BTW love your recipes and you! TY for all the inpiration.
Thanks so much Heather, I’ll add to my list! xTieghan
Brilliant pictures. Arizona looks fab, Chilli is the cutest little pup and although I know Oslo was adopted, he really is one of you guys now. He’s such a sweetie 🙂
If I’m feeling very negative I spend extra time with my cats, nothing like it. Xx
Hey Kelly-Jane,
Thanks for reading today, I am so glad you enjoyed all of the photos. Have a wonderful week:) xTieghan
Tiegan,
You are so sweet to mention our AirBNB in Waco! We loved hosting your parents and Oslo at our home and were thrilled they chose to stay here! When we bought this house it was in terrible condition and so run down! It was a big project but I loved restoring this home and adding lots of beauty.
I love everything you do and thanks so much for mentioning My 100 Year Old Waco Home.
Leslie
Hey Leslie,
Thanks so much for reading! Of course, happy to share your AirBNB, my parents had so many nice things to say about it! So awesome what you were able to do with the space. Have a great Thursday! xTieghan
Tieghan,
the music struggle is real! when you are just looking for something as a backdrop or “soundtrack” but nothing sounds right, right!
That’s when I love Spotify’s “go to song radio” or artist radio…it will make the playlist for you…no brainer.
Some great background bands for when you are working are Glass Animals, Summer Salt, Khruangbin, Loving, Beautiful Chorus….start there, and then you can go down the Spotify wormhole!!!
i also wanted to let you know how much i love watching the goat kids grow!!! ive been walking the ptarmigan loop with Della Elitch and her beautiful baby and we always have to stop and take in the cuteness!!!! Love it!!!!
Hey Lizzie,
Thanks so much for sharing today and sharing your music suggestions, this is super helpful!! Lol so glad you have been enjoying the goats as much as we have, they are so darn cute! xTieghan
Vielen Dank für einen so wertvollen Beitrag. Ich warte auf Ihren nächsten Beitrag, ich habe viel Spaß beim Lesen dieses Beitrags halten Sie es auf.
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